Bands That Could Surprisingly Be Called Classic Rock

2024-12-22

3 Doors Down

As the marker for classic music shifts, Audio Ink Radio names some bands that could surprisingly be called classic rock today. – Author: Anne Erickson, 3 Doors Down Image via Republic Records

Classic rock means different things to different people. In general, classic rock refers to the blockbuster bands that became big names in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, such as Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, when the rock genre was really taking foot. But, as the decades continue, some much younger bands are now being played on classic radio.

So, what’s the official definition of classic rock? Again, it varies, but the experts at Master Class call it “a blanket term that describes American and British rock music through the early 1990s.” They also note that classic rock is often referred to as the music that was played on FM radio stations during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, as mentioned above.

However, today, many classic stations play music well outside of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. To many, classic rock is a shifting musical genre that contains music from a few decades ago. In fact, some radio stations that call themselves the classic music of the “new generation” define their playlist as anything older than 20 years. In that spirit, here are some bands that could surprisingly be called classic rock today.

Classic Rock for a New Generation

Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Grunge Music

For years, even decades, the Seattle sound that exploded in the 1990s has been all over classic rock radio. Sure, if your local radio station leans on older classic music, you won’t hear these, but many classic stations today regularly play cuts from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and the Seattle bands that define grunge music.

Nu-Metal Bands, Such as Linkin Park and Evanescence

Being a radio host, I absolutely have played Linkin Park and Evanescence on classic rock formats. Sure, that could sound wild, but Linkin Park’s debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” came out in 2000, so it will mark its 25th anniversary in 2025. Evanescence’s debut, “Fallen,” arrived in 2003, making it also just a few years shy of its 25th anniversary. Sure, thinking of Linkin Park or Evanescence as classic rock might make you feel old, but it’s a reality.

Post-Grunge Bands, Such As 3 Doors Down and Nickelback

It’s true. You can really hear 3 Doors Down and Nickelback on some classic rock radio stations. 3 Doors Down lead vocalist Brad Arnold even spoke with Audio Ink Radio about that reality in a 2020 interview. When asked about hearing 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite” on classic radio, Arnold laughed and admitted that he knows all about it. “My wife picks on me about it,” he said, laughing. He added, chucking, “She’s like, ‘Ah, you’re on classic rock.’ I said, at least I’ve been around long enough to be on” the format.

Jangle-Pop from the 1990s

Jangle-pop and bands such as Eagle-Eye Cherry, Semisonic, Harvey Danger and the Toadies ruled the 1990s, especially after the grunge movement started to wind down. Now, many of those catchy, melodic rock songs have made their way onto classic radio. This music has a timeless element that actually fits on a lot of different radio formats, from adult contemporary to classic hits to, yes, classic rock.

Also check out some of the best classic albums of all time in this Audio Ink Radio feature.

Anne Erickson
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Posted by Anne Erickson | Features, Music, Rock